Very Short Interview No. 1 (Week 3)

Lisa Rubinstein has served at her company, LdR Creative, Inc., for nearly 12 years. LdR Creative is a public relations and communications company that specializes in marketing/public relations plans, press releases, web copy, magazine editorial, newsletters, brochures, etc. I first met Ms. Rubinstein about a year ago at a Symposium in Sarasota, and she has acted as a sort of mentor and advisor to me ever since.

Here is our interview...

1. What does entrepreneurship mean to you?
"To me, entrepreneurship means being clever and aware of how best to use your skills to create a business that can support your lifestyle."

2. What do you wish you had been taught about entrepreneurship in school?
"I don’t know that I was ever taught about entrepreneurship in school. What I think is important is that before taking that leap, a person should have experience in the field they want to pursue. This is important to understand how the field or occupation works, observe those who are at the top who might be good role models or mentors and also to gain contacts and form relationships that can help along the way."

3. What advice would you share with future entrepreneurs?
"I think knowledge and experience are essential but what also opens doors is contacts and relationships. Never burn your bridges and always take the high road. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or to call on people who have offered to help. They mean it."

I enjoyed this assignment, as it gave me the opportunity to reconnect with an entrepreneur I have worked with in the past. One thing that surprised me was her first answer about what entrepreneurship means to her. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that her answer was actually very much in line with what I believe to be true about entrepreneurship.